As the leaves begin to change and a fall breeze slowly makes its way to the area, the other thing that will be in the air is the smell of pumpkin spice. The first sip of a pumpkin spice latte or pumpkin muffin is the unofficial start to the fall season. Starbucks officially re-introduced the flavor on August 24^th this year. While this classic flavor has earned the term “basic”, we are here to help you leave the stereotype behind and try these new delicious pumpkin spice delights and find a new love for the classic. 

Caramel Pumpkin Mudslide

Trade that latte for a sweet cocktail to enjoy this season with a twist!

3 tbsp Bailey's Irish Cream (Carolina Cream for those in our NC/SC communities)

2 tbsp Vanilla Vodka

2 tbsp Kahlua

1/2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice Extract

Dash of Pumpkin Pie Spice

Caramel Drizzle

**Want some caffeine? Add a shot of espresso or mix into a cold brew for a boozy coffee!

Instructions:

1. Add all your alcohol and extract to a shaker with ice

2. Shake well

3. Take your caramel and rim the glass of choice

4. Strain into the caramel-rimmed glass filled with ice (or glass of ice and cold brew)

5. Top with a sprinkle of Pumpkin Pie Spice

6. Enjoy

Pumpkin Cheese Danish

Say goodbye to the boring old-fashioned pumpkin pie and say hello to these flaky cheesy pockets of fall!

Package of Puff Pastry

Pumpkin Puree

1/3 cup Sugar

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

1/2 tsp Pumpkin Spice

8oz Cream Cheese

2 Eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

3. In a large mixing bowl, add 1 egg yolk, cream cheese, pumpkin puree, sugar, and vanilla extract. Hand whisk or use an electric mixer to get a smoother texture. 

4. Set aside and take your room temperature puff pastry and unroll.

5. Cut out squares about 3in x 3in and set aside.

6. Take each square and choose two opposite corners to cut another small corner about 1/2 inch inside the square.

7. Put a dollop of your pumpkin cheese mixture in the center.

8. Mix 1 egg with 1tbsp of water to make egg wash.

9. Take both corners that have a slice in them and cross them over each other over the center. Use egg wash so the dough will stay in place.

10. Repeat and place on baking sheet

11. Brush all the tops with the rest of the egg wash

12. Bake until puffed and golden brown all over. Between 15-20 minutes.

Maple Pumpkin Overnight Oats

Tired of trying to figure out breakfast in the heat of the morning? This fall, try these filling and sweet overnight oats and make the morning routine a breeze!

Jars or containers to put overnight oats in - mason jars are a good choice for this.

2/3 cup Old-Fashioned Oats

1/3 cup Pumpkin Puree

2 tbsp Chia Seeds

1 tbsp Maple Syrup

Dash of Pumpkin Spice

1 cup milk - add more for a thinner consistency.

*plant-based milk like almond or oat can be substituted

2/3 cup Greek yogurt of choice

1/3 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Grab the amount of mason jars/containers you want for the week

2. In each jar add the oats, pumpkin, chia seeds, syrup, pumpkin spice, pecans, and milk.

3. Put the lid on and shake well to combine. 

4. Put jars in the fridge and let sit at least overnight.

5. Take out when about to eat and top with Greek yogurt. Enjoy!

Autumn is the perfect opportunity to savor rich flavors and warm aromas, so don't say no until you try these elevated pumpkin spice treats!